A natural chemical tether helps researchers attach cells to inert biomaterials for better cell models and therapies. Building artificial tissues that mimic the intricacy of their living counterparts is tricky business. One…
How can bacteria “robots” improve cancer therapy?
Living machines made from drug-carrying bacteria target tumors to improve the effectiveness and safety of chemotherapies. Image credit: CDC on Unsplash Researchers have been developing some pretty creative ways of getting medicines…
Real progress made this year in the fight against malaria
Image credit: Shutterstock/mycteria 2021 has seen some incredible gains in malaria research, with two new vaccines on the horizon — one of which has already received WHO endorsement — and new developments…
Are stem cells just hype?
While stem cell therapies have been touted as “miracle cures”, data indicates that there are still hurdles keeping them out of the clinic. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into…
New Pfizer and Merck antivirals look hopeful
Image credit: JC Gellidon Unsplash Two new oral medications designed to treat COVID-19 were recently announced by pharmaceutical companies Merck and Pfizer. The medications aim to prevent the worst of the disease,…
Scientists detect water and carbon monoxide in far away galaxy
Water and carbon detected in a galaxy 13 billion light-years away provide a glimpse into how these elements impacted the development of the early universe. Image credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/S. Dagnello (NRAO) In…
Making cochlear implants safer with self-shaping polymers
A shape-shifting polymer allows scientists to create a safer implantable device that results in less trauma upon insertion. Cochlear implants are small, electronic devices that help people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing…
New EU satellites to track global carbon emissions
A new constellation of satellites promises to be a “game changer” in monitoring anthropogenic emissions on a global scale. Image credit: Space X Unsplash As leaders, scientists, and activists gather in Glasgow…
New breast cancer vaccine enters phase I clinical trial
A new vaccine aims to prevent one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. A first-of-its-kind breast cancer vaccine has just entered clinical trials. The phase I study will aim to…
Brain implant helps a blind woman see simple shapes for the first time
A microelectrode array no bigger than a penny gives hope to restoring sight in blind people. Image credit: John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah 58-year-old Berna Gómez has…